The latest member to join the Golf Genius Software staff is Mike Broderick, a PGA Professional and the new Florida Sales Manager for GGS. Mike has a deep background in golf and a passion for the game that far exceeds watching only the four majors on TV. Heck, anyone who would rather tee it up with Tiger's ex-caddie instead of the living legend himself must know a thing or two about golf, right?

We recently put the Sawx fan from Cape Cod in the hot seat to learn a little more about the native New Englander and how golf has evolved from a passion into a career.

At what age did you start playing golf?4

Who introduced you to the game?My father played through his adolescence and picked the game up again after I was born. I had a club in hand rolling down the hills while dad played golf with his friends.

What other sports/hobbies did you enjoy growing up?I was the typical boy that played everything: soccer, baseball, basketball, and anything else I could get my hands on. My sister and I grew up near a pond, so we were boating, fishing, and swimming during the summers and skating in winter. Growing up in a jazz household, I also played the sax.

When did you know you wanted to pursue a career in golf?My teenage years were spent around a golf course, either working or playing. When my dad picked me up from my first day on the job at age 14, I told him I hit balls out of the woods back into the practice range all day. It was the best job in the world!

How did you turn that passion into a career?My club’s professionals had a positive influence on me to pursue the dream of becoming a PGA member. A local professional had attended Methodist College and encouraged me to look into Professional Golf Management. At that time, there were 14 accredited programs around the country. In the end, I chose Methodist.

Favorite golf course?There’s a few: My favorite golf course design is Bandon Trails, and my favorite for the overall experience is Secession Golf Club in South Carolina. If I could play only one course for the rest of my life, I would choose the South Course at Torrey Pines.

Lowest round and where?I shot a 66 at Reunion’s Palmer Course, 34-32. I started with a bogey and then missed a 5-footer on the second hole. I then made everything on the back nine, including a 40-footer on 17.

Hole in one?I have one ace to my name and it came at The Palencia Club’s 6th hole with Jack Ludwick. I was playing with a few of our junior members and dropped a punch 8 iron from 142 yards. The kids went crazy!

Dream foursome?My present-day dream fourball would have to include the most interesting man alive Miguel Angel Jimenez (pictured), PGA Tour caddie Steve Williams, and Dirty Hairy: Clint Eastwood. The round would be commentated by David Feherty.

Favorite piece of golf memorabilia?Aside from Masters flags, various framed posters, and trinkets from various golf experiences and trips, I would say my favorite golf memorabilia is my Assistant Golf Professional of the Year Award from the Northern Chapter of the North Florida PGA. I am incredibly proud to have been selected and recognized by my peers to receive this honor for my hard work and dedication to the PGA of America and our community.

Favorite club in the bag and why?If I was in a pressure situation and had to fully commit myself to one shot, I would swing like I had my 8 iron in hand. It’s my most precise club with the ability to work the ball any direction with distance control.

Ideal destination for a group golf trip?Bandon Dunes is the best place for a pure golf vacation. The atmosphere, accommodations, meals, service, and views are exceptional. I have yet to play golf in the UK, but I am excited to check it out. My top 5 golf destinations outside of Bandon include Pinehurst, Chicago, Scottsdale, Ponte Vedra Beach, and Cape Cod.

Why are golf leagues great for growing the game?Golf is a social game, first and foremost. Leagues are a tremendous platform for the social and competitive aspects of golf and will bring players together. My fondest golf memories have been through league play as you build relationships, compete either with your playing partners or against, and there’s always a good story or joke being told. Whether you are a beginner or advanced player, there is a league for you!

To keep up to date with Mike, you can follow him on Twitter: @mbroderickpga